Zwickelmania returns to Northwest Portland for fourth year

View full sizeMolly Hottle/The OregonianRyan Schmiege, assistant brewmaster at Deschutes Brewery & Public House, works on brews in the back of the Northwest Portland brewery. Deschutes will be one of seven Northwest Portland breweries taking part in Zwickelmania this weekend.

Several Northwest Portland breweries are opening their doors this weekend for a special behind-the-scenes look at brewing operations for the fourth annual Zwickelmania.

More than 30 breweries across Portland, including seven in Northwest Portland, are participating in the Oregon Brewers Guild's Zwickelmania, a free event that offers visitors and beer enthusiasts samples and a chance to look inside breweries that don't usually offer tours.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. The name Zwickelmania comes from the spout, called a zwickel, that brewers use to taste-test the beer.

The guild will also be providing free shuttle service among the Northwest Portland breweries from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A zwickel brunch will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Rogue Hall, 1717 S.W. Park Ave. in Southwest Portland. Organizers say there will be limited seating, and to make a reservation call 503-219-8000.